Neer Elumichangai: Oil-Free South Indian Lemon Pickle
25 minutes
811 reads

About Neer Elumichangai: Oil-Free South Indian Lemon Pickle
This Neer Elumichangai, a refreshing oil-free lemon pickle, is a family favorite in our home. It's the perfect tangy accompaniment to curd rice, poricha kuzhambu, more kuzhambu, and upma, adding a burst of zesty flavor to every bite. Unlike traditional pickles, this recipe is completely oil-free and spice-free, making it a healthy and safe option for everyone, especially the elderly. The simple preparation results in a delicious, subtly flavored pickle that's quick to make and highly addictive!Get ready to experience the bright, clean taste of this South Indian culinary gem! It's a wonderful way to add a unique and healthy twist to your meals.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Total25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pickle
- 5 Lemons good quality, juicy lemons; each lemon should be chopped into approximately 16 small pieces
- 1 tbsp Ginger finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Chilies finely chopped; adjust to your spice preference, green
- 2-3 tbsp Pickling Salt or to taste; use pickling salt or coarse sea salt for best results
For the Brine
- 3 cup Water
Instructions
Prepare the Brine
- Boil 3 cups of water with 2-3 tablespoons of pickling salt until the volume reduces to approximately 1 cup. Let the brine cool completely.
Combine Ingredients
- In a clean, dry glass jar, combine the chopped lemons, ginger, and green chilies. Pour the cooled brine over the ingredients, ensuring everything is well submerged. Mix gently.
Fermentation and Storage
- The pickle needs at least 2 days to properly soak and ferment. After this period, refrigerate the jar. It's best consumed within a week of refrigerating.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Neer Elumichangai
- Use high-quality, ripe lemons for the best flavor. Avoid using lemons that are hard or unripe.
- Sterilize your glass jar before using it to prevent unwanted bacteria or mold growth. You can do this by boiling the jar in water for 10-15 minutes.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if needed.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the jar.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 17kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.05gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 3503mgPotassium: 78mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.4mg
3 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.


I’m excited to try this recipe!
This looks incredible! I need to try it.
Such a delicious dish! Thank you.